81 Boats Enter So Far as Kinsale Yacht Club Launches Sovereign’s Cup 2025 Event

5th April 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Vote of approval – County Councillors Alan Coleman and Marie O'Sullivan with Kinsale Yacht Club Commodore Anthony Scannell Mayor of Cork County Cllr Joe Carroll and Senator Noel O'Donovan at the Kildare Innovation Campus Sovereign's Cup 2025 launch Credit: Bob Bateman

Cllr. Joe Carroll, Mayor of the County of Cork, was among key dignitaries to wish fair winds to the Kildare Innovation Campus Sovereign's Cup 2025 at Friday's (April 4th) launch at Kinsale Yacht Club.

As Afloat reported previously, Kinsale's charm is set to boost the Sovereign's contest and this year, in a further boost, the biennial event will incorporate the 2025 Irish Cruiser Racing (ICRA) National Championships over three days.

With entries now hitting 81, the cup is set to run from Wednesday, 25 to Saturday, 28 June, and run on the water by Race Officer Anthony O’Leary.

An afternoon start on the opening day has been designed to accommodate visitors, followed by early starts for the remaining two days to maximise racing opportunities.

Sovereign's Cup Regatta Director Michael O'Sullivan (left) shows the Portcullis Trophy to sponsor Allan Shine of Kildare Innovation Campus watched by Anthony Scannell, Commodore Kinsale Yacht Club Photo: Bob Bateman

The club says it is committed to providing a fair test of sailing skill for all abilities, with varied course configurations — incorporating the Sovereign Islands and Old Head whenever possible.

One of the 2025 innovations mooted is the potential for an 'all-in' race for the combined fleet.

Kildare Innovation Campus Sovereign's Cup 2025 Launch at Kinsale Yacht Club Photo Gallery by Bob Bateman

The speakers at the launch event were title sponsor Allan Shine, CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus, Regatta Director Michael O'Sullivan, ICRA Commodore Denis Byrne, and KYC Commodore Anthony Scannell.

The Sovereign’s Cup was established in 1995, and this year marks the 15th staging of the popular cruiser regatta.

Up to 100 boats are expected to compete for the prestigious Sovereign’s Cup for the best all-round score in IRC rating and The Portcullis Trophy for the best progressive handicap. Entries are being taken in Class 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and three White Sails classes.

For any campaigns considering a trip to Kinsale, the event falls neatly between the Dun Laoghaire-Dingle Race and Dun Laoghaire Regatta.

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